Vigil held for Springfield kids killed last week

Amanda Garretson shares a moment with Stella, her 2-year-old daughter, before speaking to those attending a vigil at Jordan Valley Park honor of Brodie and Marley WIlliams.(Photo: Guillermo Hernandez Martinez/News-Leader)Buy Photo

Strangers and friends gathered at Jordan Valley Park on Saturday night to honor a pair of children who were taken from this world too soon.

A few hours after a funeral was held in Lebanon for Brodie Williams, 4, and his sister Marley Williams, 2, about 75 people attended a candlelight vigil for the siblings in Springfield.

The children, police say, were killed by their father, Bill Williams, on Sunday at Lake Shore Apartments in Springfield. After a 23-hour standoff with police, Bill Williams took his own life.

Family friend Amanda Garretson organized the vigil on Saturday night. Garretson said Brodie and Marley may be gone, but she will do her best to make sure they are not forgotten.

“Brodie and Marley were two really amazing kids,” Garretson told the crowd on Saturday. “I don’t want anyone to forget.”

Those in attendance on Saturday lit candles, listened to stories about the children and sang songs. A bubble machine was working throughout the night, and children released balloons into the sky to honor Brodie and Marley.

Many people in the crowd wore tie-dye shirts to show support for Brodie and Marley’s mother, Brittnee Williams, who Garretson said loves tie-dye.

“I wanted her to know that even though the candles were for the kids, we are still here for her, too,” Garretson said.

Garretson said Brodie and Marley were special kids. She said she will remember Brodie for his kind heart and Marley for her feisty personality.

“They lit up everybody’s lives,” she said.

Amanda Yocum didn’t know Brodie or Marley, but she came out to Saturday’s vigil simply to show support for the family. Yocum held her 5-year-old son close during the vigil.

“No kid deserves to die, especially by their father,” Yocum said. “I would want the same if something happened to my child.”

Marti Fort said she read about the vigil in the news and decided to come with her daughter to honor Brodie and Marley.

“They didn’t have anything to do with his problems,” Fort said. “They were just kids.”

Chuck Curtis also came to the vigil despite not knowing the family. He said it was the least he could do to dig up an old tie-dye shirt and light a candle in honor of Brodie and Marley.

“It’s an awful thing to have happen to two little kids like that,” Curtis said. “It makes no sense.”

Another vigil is being planned for the children in Lebanon on Sunday at 7 p.m. at Atchley Park, 1805 Lynn St., in Lebanon.

How to help

The Williams Family Memorial Fund is being administered by Guaranty Bank in Springfield. Anyone wishing to donate to the fund may visit any of the nine Guaranty Bank locations in Springfield.

At the request of Bill Williams’ parents, all of funds will be given to Bill’s wife, Brittnee.

For questions or further information regarding the fund, please contact Bryan Williams at 417-862-4567, Extension 219.